The Russell Education Trust (RET) is a Multi-Academy Trust.[1] It provides educational support services in the creation and operation of academies established as part of the free schools programme.[2] It is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, with exempt charity status, regulated by the Department for Education.[3] Its board members include experienced educationalists and representatives from RET schools' local governing bodies.[4]
RET was established in 2010 by directors of the school improvement company Education London which, between 2003 and 2017, provided educational support services to Government, notably as a service provider to the London Challenge, as well as to individual Local Authorities and schools.[5][6][7] Education London ceased trading in 2017 due to the retirement of its Operations Director, but continues as community interest company EL (RET) to sponsor RET.[8]
Both organisations were based in the same office building in Leatherhead, Surrey, until 2024 when they moved to Teddington.[9][5]
The Russell Education Trust has worked in partnership with parents, communities, and diocesan authorities to establish the following free schools:[10]